Uzbekistan and WRAP Establish Strategic Partnership to Promote Ethical Textile Production

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and the international organization Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) have officially announced a strategic partnership aimed at promoting ethical and sustainable practices in the country’s textile industry.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Nozim Kholmurodov, Director of the Light Industry Development Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, and Avedis Seferian, President of WRAP, marking a new chapter in global collaboration and aligning Uzbekistan’s light industry with international standards.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating a future where responsible production is not merely a goal, but a standard,” emphasized Avedis Seferian.

The agreement identifies several key areas of cooperation. The first step will be expanding the WRAP certification program in Uzbekistan, with a goal of certifying at least 100 textile and garment enterprises in the country over the next two years. The Agency will select enterprises and coordinate national efforts, while WRAP will provide technical support and training to ensure successful certification.

Special attention will be given to workforce training and skill development. WRAP will conduct seminars and workshops for factory managers, compliance specialists, and Agency personnel. Programs will cover workers’ rights, occupational safety, environmental management in production, and the 12 WRAP principles. Additionally, an “Excellence in Compliance” initiative will be implemented to establish internal audit systems within enterprises.

To provide ongoing support to industry participants, WRAP is considering opening a local office in Uzbekistan. This office will serve as a national center for responsible production, offering consultation and assistance on certification and standards compliance.

The partnership also aims to promote Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles and support the development of national guidelines for sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. WRAP plans to engage international organizations, such as the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA), for training and certifying local auditors.

Knowledge exchange and technical support will be another key aspect of the collaboration: both parties will jointly leverage best practices, data, and expert assessments to raise labor and environmental standards. WRAP will also advise national institutions on transparency and quality management in the textile sector.